When will Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders go live? Everything you need to know ahead of April

Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders are the top of everyone's minds now that the dust has settled on the brand's announcement in January. With retailers beginning to gear up for the onslaught of orders, and price rumors starting to take more shape, things are already getting heated ahead of that April Direct date.

If previous tradition stands true, Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders will go live when Ninty unveils the console in full via its dedicated Nintendo Direct presentation on April 2. That's what happened when the previous console launched, and considering this timeline semi-corresponds with the release date rumors that have been circling for so long, it's looking likely.

In the meantime, a number of retailers have launched their own email notification systems (Best Buy in the US and Currys in the UK), with a handful of Nintendo Switch 2 product pages going live. I'd pay close attention to these pages when it comes down to pre-order time, they're the easiest way to keep that refresh button hot and make sure you're not missing out on a drop.

Until that day comes, though, I'm getting you prepped with all the retailers you need to watch out for when Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders do land. I've been tracking these stock frenzies across everything from the Switch OLED to the PS5 and its Pro model over the last five years, so I've picked up a thing or two about being in the right place at the right time. You'll find all my tips and tricks further down the page.

US Switch 2 retailers

While we're a ways off from actual Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders just yet, it's worth getting your ducks in a row. After all, you may need a membership to secure an early order from stores like Walmart and Best Buy. I would always recommend heading to Nintendo first and foremost when those pre-orders drop, but this is going to be a smaller site than other retail stores - and if crashes do occur it's worth having some backups available.

Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart are all well seasoned in this game - they've been regulars in the race for console stock from other brands. Plus, don't sleep on Target - while it can sell out fast, this store often posts its pre-orders just a little earlier than everyone else, which means you can swoop in pretty easily if you find yourself in the right place at the right time.

GameStop is currently the only US retailer with the device technically on its shelves (though it's obviously unavailable), so it's worth keeping a close eye here as we get closer to the big day.

Best Buy

Best Buy is often one of the first retailers to launch its product pages for new devices, which means it's easy to camp here. It's also one of few retailers currently offering email notifications for new developments, so it's well worth signing up. I rarely see major launches like this being held back behind the membership paywall - unless stock is starting to run low. This is an excellent contender to have in your starting lineup, though some stock can be sorted regionally.

GameStop

GameStop is best used if you're a member, as the retailer regularly keeps some pre-orders back for its subscribers. However, if stock is starting to slow it's always worth checking in. GameStop is the only store with a full Nintendo Switch 2 listing page live on the site, currently listed as Coming Soon. You can also sign up for pre-order notifications as well.

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Amazon

Amazon can be speedy on delivery, so it makes sense to hold out for these orders if you're a Prime member, but it can be slow to launch its stock. Individual product pages can be difficult to find before pre-orders actually go live here, but it's well worth hunting them down (I'll be posting the link here as soon as I have it). There's another hitch in this plan, though.

Amazon hasn't been the most Nintendo-favored retailer for some time now. Black Friday was a wash here, with barely any savings on games and systems that were widely dropped at other stores. Inventory seems to be slowing as well.

Nintendo Store

Of course, Nintendo's own online store is going to be a safe bet. Listings will likely go live as soon as Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders are actually announced - but stock will move particularly quickly. This is where everyone is heading, so it can pay off to think outside the box.

Walmart

Walmart is often the first retailer to give us an indication of when pre-orders will go live. That's because it regularly keeps high profile stock back for its Plus members, launching a product page that tells these subscribers when they should be ready to head to checkout. If you're not a Walmart Plus member, I'd still keep an eye on this store - I don't know for sure that they'll be reserving availability, but if recent releases are anything to go by this is one for the subscribers.

Target

Target is a speedy one. This retailer often jumps to pre-orders before Walmart, Amazon, and Best Buy which means it's well worth checking in with over the next few hours. Target was the first store to offer PlayStation 30th Anniversary stock last year, for example, and held out quite well in terms of availability.

UK Switch 2 retailers

The UK has a similar spread of stores to choose from, but I'd recommend prioritizing Nintendo, Amazon, and Argos in your hunt. The first is going to be the most reliable for actually putting stock up on the day itself, but everyone will be going here. Amazon is still pretty speedy in the UK (unlike the US where it can lag slightly behind) and I've always had my pre-ordered kit delivered on day one here. Finally Argos could be a sleeper hit. The site organizes its stock by post code, so you've got much less competition should stock start to run low on the day.

Currys

Currys is one of the only UK retailers offering an email update system, with the retailer's site now allowing users to register their details for upcoming updates.

Nintendo Store

The official Nintendo Store will be launching Switch 2 pre-orders as soon as they become available, so it's a must-see if you're after a quick order. However, everyone is going to be flocking here, and we could see site slow downs as a result.

Amazon

Amazon is my go-to in the UK. Unlike its US counterpart, this is a particularly speedy site, which regularly shows up among the first retailers offering pre-orders for larger items. It also comes with the benefit of speedy shipping, and I've always had my orders delivered on release day.

Very

Very is actually one of my favorite retailers to pre-order from. Not only is it fast with its product pages and availability, but stock does tend to hold on a little longer here. Not only that, but Very often adds bundles into the mix even from the pre-order stage - while they won't save you any cash at this point, they do ward off resellers.

Argos

Argos splits its stock by region, so you might be in with a good shot at securing your Nintendo Switch 2 pre-order here, depending on your post code. You've got a much smaller competition pool here, but stock levels are much smaller than the bigger sites.

GAME

GAME is speedy, but it's expensive. This retailer will often launch its pre-orders before the actual set go-time (as I saw with the PS5), though shipping prices can be astronomical (and you'll pay those costs separately per item).

What can you do now?

We've got just under four months until that Direct presentation, which means there's plenty of time to get your ducks in a row before Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders kick off fully. I'd use this time wisely - there are two things you can be doing between now and announcement day to maximize your chances at securing a console.

1. Keep an eye on trade-in prices

This is what clinched my super early pre-order for the PS5 back in the day. I knew which store I was going with, had months to build up store credit through rewards systems and trading, and could head straight to the site as soon as word dropped. While flexibility is going to be necessary, if you're looking to keep the cost of your Switch 2 as low as possible it's worth keeping an eye on trade-in prices over the next few weeks, so you can work out which store will give you the best deal when push comes to shove.

2. Sign up to a membership program

It's a sad time but the reality of the situation is you're much more likely to be able to pre-order a high ticket item in the US if you're signed up to either Walmart Plus, GameStop Pro, or My Best Buy Total. Each of these retailers have kept their pre-orders behind paywalls like this in the past, sometimes (like in the case of the PS5) allowing subscribers first access at stock.

If I had to choose one it would be Walmart Plus. While it's still a highly competitive endeavor, this is the retailer I've seen giving its members special treatment the most over the course of the last few years.

Nintendo Switch 2 pre-order FAQs

In the meantime, check out all the latest Nintendo Switch 2 backwards compatibility updates as well as the best Nintendo Switch accessories and the best Nintendo Switch headsets on the market.